How To Wash The Doona Car Seat? All Answers

It’s easy to see when your countertops or floors need cleaning; Food stains, spills and dust are obvious to see and can be easily wiped, vacuumed or mopped. From an early age we are all routinely taught to wash our underwear after each wear, to wash our clothes regularly (which can also mean after each wear) and we all (at least we all should) wash our bedding weekly. But how often should we wash or dry-clean our doona?

Did you know that a person can sweat up to 200 ml of liquid every night? This sweat can soak into your bedding during the night, go through the bedding and be absorbed right into your doona. No wonder pests like dust mites love our beds… and one more reason to clean your linens regularly!

But before throwing your doona straight into the washing machine, it’s important that you first take a good look at the care label and follow the cleaning instructions carefully. It can be said that the Doona is machine washable up to 60 degrees; or it may say “Dry Clean Only”, a common care label for cleaning Doonas. If your doona only needs to be dry cleaned, then it’s best to have it done by professionals. Master Dry Cleaners regularly provide doona cleaning services in Melbourne with great results. These services help eliminate dust mites while also refreshing your Doona so you can enjoy that freshly cleaned smell.

Doona cleaning tips

If your washing machine is big enough (and the care label allows it), it’s possible to wash your doona at home sometimes. However, drying a doona is tricky as line drying can take up to a week! Most household dryers are too small to properly dry a doona and could pose a fire hazard. The better alternative is to use a laundromat or a professional dry cleaner.

If your Doona is made of synthetic fibre, it is most likely washable. However, if your doona is made from a natural fiber like wool or silk, chances are it can only be dry cleaned. Master Dry Cleaners have the ability to clean all Doonas, regardless of size or the care instructions on the label. In addition to dry cleaning, we also have the facility to wash and dry doonas using a large commercial dryer and washing machines on site. Either way, we can meet all of your Doona cleaning needs.

We recommend cleaning your doona at least every 6 months, although a good maintenance strategy would be quarterly.

case study

Sharon lives in Hawthorn East and has used our specialist dry cleaning services on a number of occasions including preserving her wedding dress a few years ago. She was a loyal customer who we saw almost weekly in our Glenferrie Road shop to have her business clothes dry cleaned, her husband’s Tradie uniform and the St Josephs children’s school uniforms.

Recently, at her wit’s end, Sharon came to the store to drop off her child’s doonas. Her son James was up all night struggling with his asthma and eventually she had to call an ambulance. James had recovered well with some treatments, after which Sharon explained to the nurse how she had tried everything to prevent and treat James’ asthma. The nurse expressed sympathy as she had experienced the same thing with her daughter and said she had found that dust mites were often at the root of the problem. Sharon immediately denied that this could be the problem and explained to the nurse that her apartment is professionally cleaned twice a week. But then the nurse asked about the bedding. It turned out that the sheets and covers of the bedding were washed regularly, but the doonas had never been cleaned. They were simply too big to be washed in a domestic washing machine. So Sharon came into our store desperately wanting to have the Doonas dry cleaned as a last resort.

Yesterday Sharon came back to the store with fantastic news! She explained that since cleaning the doonas, her son has hardly needed his asthma spray and his eczema has even started to improve.

While we don’t claim to be miracle workers and cannot categorically claim that cleaning your Doona will cure your asthma or eczema, we can confidently tell you that dust mites are a common trigger for these conditions. Dust mites in bed are often the biggest problem, along with stuffed animals and home furnishings. It requires temperatures in excess of 55°C to kill mites, and proper cleaning will also wash away the allergen they produce.

If you’re interested in having your Doonas cleaned, call Master Dry Cleaners on 1300 885 245 to locate a store near you, or ask us about our FREE pickup and delivery service.

FAQ

This product has been manufactured in accordance with recognized standards or specifications and quality procedures. This statement has been issued by Bureau Veritas New Zealand. Kidsgo magazine gave Doona+ a top score of 1.4 (very good) after a few months of testing the products by a few families in their daily lives. The families indicated that they recommend the Doona+ for its innovation, safety and ease of use. The American consumer organization Consumer Reports rated Doona as very good overall, while Doona was rated excellent in the safety test.

All materials used on the Doona are carefully tested and approved according to the strictest American and European standards and the REACH regulation, including SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern). The materials used are not only free from hazardous chemicals, but are also tested for their durability and quality to ensure the safe and continuous use of the products. Can I install the Doona car seat in a forward-facing position? No, the Doona car seat is designed for rear-facing only.

Suitability: Infant Weight: 4-35 lbs.

Infant Height: up to 32″ (81 cm)

How long can I use the Doona car seat or when does it expire? Please refer to the sticker on the bottom of the Doona car seat to determine the recommended usage time. We recommend that you stop using a Doona car seat after 6 years from the date of manufacture. Up to what age can I use the Doona? The Doona is not limited by age, but by weight. The weight limit for Doona is 13kg or around 12 to 15 months. Some parents have told us they have used Doona for up to 24 months. To get the most out of Doona, we recommend using it from the moment your child is born. There are three criteria you can use to tell if the car seat is too small for your child: Baby’s head height – when the baby’s head protrudes above the top edge of the car seat.

The maximum weight has been reached.

The height of the harness must be at shoulder height or just below. Where can I find videos on using the Doona? Here you will find videos on using the Doona as a car seat mode, as an on-the-go mode and accessories.

How do I install my Doona in the car?

For detailed instructions on how to install the Doona, please refer to the user manual.

For More Information Click on the link below for instructional videos to help you. shortcut

Can I install the Doona car seat using both the base and the vehicle’s seat belt?

No, the Doona car seat should only be installed using one installation method, either using the vehicle’s seat belt or the base. Parents should always refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.

Is it safer to install the Doona car seat with the base or with the vehicle’s seat belt?

Doona’s car seat has successfully passed all tests with both types of installation. If installed correctly, both methods are safe. Parents should always consult the owner’s manual and vehicle owner’s manual to determine how best to install their car seat for their vehicle and child.

Why am I having trouble attaching the Doona to the base?

Please check the straps running down the back of your car seat. You will notice that there is a silver metal bar that runs across the back of your car seat. If the straps are routed outside of the bar, they will interfere with the locking mechanism at the base and you will have to re-route the straps between the car seat shell and the silver metal bar. The base release button must be pushed in and displayed red before installing the car seat on the base.

My Doona no longer snaps into the base. What can I do?

Check that your Doona’s straps are under the metal bar on the back. See picture below

Vomit is definitely one of the most disgusting stains to get rid of, but once you get the job done, it’s entirely doable. Here four stain removal pros offer expert advice on how to clean this big mess: Merry Maids cleaning pro Debra Johnson, ServiceMaster Cleans expert Pete Duncanson, carpet cleaning expert Dean Carter and William Hadley of Bio-Pro Research.

How to remove vomit from clothing

Johnson uses two household items — baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice — to remove vomit from clothing.

The first step is to scrape any solids off the garment. Dampen the stain with warm water and apply baking soda to the area, enough to cover the stain about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. The baking soda will absorb the odor and also help remove the stain from the fibers. Pour lemon juice or vinegar over the stain. The soda begins to bubble. Rub the stain with your fingers or a toothbrush. Try to remove as much of the stain as possible. Rinse the baking soda/lemon juice mixture from clothing with warm water. Machine wash as usual. Air dry or ensure stain is completely gone before machine drying; Otherwise, the heat of the dryer will set it.

RELATED: 3 ways Weinstein can help clean your house

How to remove vomit from upholstered furniture

Duncanson, offers the following tips for removing vomit from washable upholstery.

Remove as much vomit from the material as possible. To loosen dried vomit and make it easier to clean up, spray a small amount of water directly onto the stain. Sprinkle baking soda directly on the affected area and leave it on for a few hours. The baking soda will soak up a good portion of the vomit stain over time. Vacuum the baking soda off the furniture with a wet/dry vacuum. Spray a small amount of water on the stain, spray the area with baking soda and leave the second layer of baking soda on for a few more hours. After vacuuming up the baking soda, dab club soda over the entire stain. Rinse the upholstery by patting with a damp cloth and patting dry with a clean microfiber cloth (or if you have a wet/dry vacuum vacuum the Club Soda off the upholstery.) If the stain remains, contact to a professional upholstery cleaner.

RELATED: Cotton swabs are so useful around the house

How to remove vomit from carpets and rugs

Note: Always have silk or wool carpets professionally cleaned.

There are two methods that deserve mention. Depending on the stain you need to clean, one may be better for you than the other.

method 1

When it comes to a mess like this, Dean Carter turns to this easy DIY cleaner.

Carter uses a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. “The vinegar helps with the smell,” he says. Spray enough vinegar/water solution to wet the stain. Do not saturate the carpet. Leave this on for 30 seconds. Vacuum with a wet/dry vacuum or blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth and vacuum the stain. Replace the cloth when it gets wet. Repeat until no more stain is transferred to the cloth. If the stain persists, try blotting with a solution of 1 teaspoon Blue Dawn dish soap and 1 cup water. Blot to remove liquids and vomit. Rinse the detergent from the stain by alternately patting with a damp and dry cloth. Pat dry. If the stain persists, contact a professional carpet cleaner.

RELATED: 4 surprising things you never knew you could do with silica gel packs

Method #2

For cleaning pro William Hadley, removing vomit from carpets is easiest with professional cleaners and solutions.

Scrape off excess vomit, or use a super-absorbent powder like Zorb-It-Up, which absorbs the debris and turns it into a dry powder that can be swept up. If you don’t have such powder, use paper towels or a clean white cloth, press on the stain and absorb the remaining liquid. Do not rub the pile of the carpet. To neutralize stomach acid, which can damage carpet fibers, sparingly apply baking soda diluted with water to the deposit (no “flooding” necessary). Always treat an area about 1.5 times the area of ​​deposition, as the fluid in the vomit will migrate down and out. Leave for 2-3 minutes, then vacuum with a wet/dry vacuum or blot up moisture with paper towels or a clean white cloth. Apply a biological stain remover like Urine Off. Cover the area with food wrap to keep the solution from evaporating. Leave it on overnight. Rinse the area with water and soak up moisture with paper towels or a clean white cloth. Allow the area to air dry.

Note: Do not scrub the carpet’s pile as this can create a “fool” and leave a “fuzzy” looking area.

If a ring appears at the edge of the treated area, this is caused by the soil in the carpet migrating to the outer edge of the treated area. This can be treated either by cleaning the carpet or by lightly cleaning the edge, blending the treated area with the untreated area.

Canopy & Shoulder Pads $40.00

racing green

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Description Features Specifications

Replacing the canopy and shoulder pads is the perfect way to get a fresh new look with a different colourway or when using the Doona car seat & stroller with a second child. You can choose one or more from our 7 different colors and easily swap out the hood cover and shoulder pads whenever you want to give your Doona a new look. The hood protects against the elements, is water-repellent and has a UPF of 50+.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably seen or heard about this “amazing car seat that converts into a stroller.” I get it, Doona is incredibly trendy in the US at the moment.

Lots of celebrities use it (which the company advertises heavily), so people are easily persuaded to have one too. They are also great with their marketing campaigns, so influencers love the Doona too.

If you read my other reviews you know by now that they are unfiltered, unsponsored and more as if I like the product or not, so I’m going to go into various aspects of trendy Doona here as well (probably way too much you might need to know ) 😉

However, as another trendy brand Uppababy has already proved to us – trendy doesn’t always mean good, even with a high price. Or safe, as in the case of a popular Dock-a-Tot item, which is heavily advertised in every American registry but is not safe for sleeping and is therefore actually banned in Canada.

Before anyone asks, Doona is actually banned in Canada as well because the car seat angle is not adjustable and is therefore considered unsafe by Canadian standards. Don’t even try to sneak it through the border – it’s hit with heaps of fines and invalid insurance.

Doona is also not a non-toxic car seat, which I actually found out later, adding it to its disadvantages – I explain more in the article under Disadvantages.

Is the Doona stroller worth it?

i will be real It didn’t occur to me to buy the Doona with the first baby because the price and the fact that it’s a car seat and the baby shouldn’t be in it for long periods of time automatically dismissed it .

A year and a half later, many friends tried to persuade me to get a Doona because it is practical. I think it’s often worth paying for the convenience when your time and patience are limited, especially with two children, I began to explore the Doona more and more.

The more I researched, the more I realized that Doona is a product that was created with the good idea of ​​not having to carry your car seat around, but consumers have often misinterpreted it.

Many of you are asking if Doona is a good stroller for NYC and the answer is absolutely not.

Whilst it is practical and therefore so many people think it is worth it, Doona is not a stroller and should not be used as a stroller for walking. The more I spoke to real doctors and people who know what they’re talking about (not just casual consumers), the more I realized that Doona is certainly not a must-try and whether you want it or not depends on your lifestyle. For some it may be worth it, for others it may not. However, you should know all the facts before making your decision.

Doona is certainly a great airport option if you plan to bring a car seat onboard, but not all airlines allow this.

Can Doona be your only stroller in the first year?

I think whether or not you should get Doona certainly depends on where you live, but there are also some things you should be aware of for the sake of your baby’s health.

Most importantly, Doona should NOT be your only stroller for your baby as it is NOT a stroller. It is meant to be used as a car seat, in the car and out of the car for quick rides, but you should not roll your baby into Doona for walks or around town.

I’ve found so many reviews saying, “We only use it to roll the baby around the house because it’s convenient” any sane pediatrician would cringe at that. It is very unhealthy for the toddler under 4 months who should only spend limited time in the car seat. The official recommendation is 2 hours in a 24 hour cycle, but the fewer the better and newborns under 4 weeks should spend a maximum of 30 minutes per day in a car seat).

It’s all down to the angle of the car seat, which can cause cardiorespiratory problems in infants under 6 months old when they’re in car seats for long periods of time, so here’s one of many studies done by people way better informed than me . However, it can also cause problems in older children, especially if the car seat is not used in the car.

I realize it’s fairly common in the US for toddlers to roll around in their car seats all over the place, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe or good for babies. Many people naively ignore it as gossip, but babies die every year from sitting in their car seats for too long. Not only can it block your airways, but it’s also very bad for your spine in the long run, so please keep that in mind. (This also applies to sleeping in baby swings).

It increases the risk of SIDS due to the fact that oxygen saturation levels (the amount of oxygen in your blood) are lower when children are in child car seats, many parents claim “my child slept in a car seat and is fine” – sure , Fatalities are rare, but reduced oxygen can lead to other problems in the future.

In Europe it’s pretty common knowledge not to stuff your babies in car seats and cots are a way of going – hence doonas are legal but not very popular at all because it’s just a car seat (and frankly, car seat choice is far better and much easier in Europe).

When I was doing a poll on my own social channels about which car seat to get, I got a ton of messages from people telling me why Doona isn’t a good idea at all. It’s something people just know. (Ironically, I know something similar happened to a fairly popular European influencer/photographer, who said he had never seen so many people speak out against a product – where the product was Doona and he got a Babyzen Yoyo instead .)

I know some friends who brought their Doonas to the supermarket in the UK and were asked by strangers why they are destroying their children’s health and endangering them. Rolling babies around in a car seat, whether it’s a doona or something attached to your stroller, is considered insanity.

Which brings me to the next point: is Doona safe?

Source: ImageDirect.com – Ryan Reynolds with a doona

Is the Doona car seat safe?

There is no denying that Doona is safe when used as a car seat and strictly as a car seat and not as a stroller. If you plan on rolling with it all day then no, unfortunately it’s not safe (explained above).

It is an approved car seat. So if you buy it direct from their website or from an approved retailer (e.g. Magic Beans or BuyBuyBaby) you can rest assured that your baby will be safe inside.

Why do I insist on an Approved Dealer? Simply because there were fake Doona 4-1 car seats on Amazon just last year and those car seats were not safe. They had nothing to do with the original Doona car seat. Unfortunately, as a former Amazon seller, I know all too well how easy it is to circumvent Amazon regulations, so I’m not surprised that the fake Doonas have wormed their way into Amazon.

Is Doona the safest car seat on the market? Unfortunately not. In case you didn’t know, to meet federal safety standards, a car seat is strapped into the center of a bench seat, which is then projected backwards to simulate a 30-mph frontal impact (and let’s be honest — that’s pretty slow). . For more detailed rankings, consult independent crash test reports from trusted sources, including consumer reports.

Doona actually scores FAR under in terms of head injuries (which makes sense for small babies as head can wiggle with little side padding) and doesn’t make the top 10 car seats in the US market in terms of safety. It has terrible reviews compared to other car seats on the market.

This is the headrest. While it’s great that it’s washable, it really isn’t a good headrest in the event of an accident because it’s way too thin. It’s basically a pillow.

Advantages of the Doona stroller

Convenience

The biggest advantage of the Doona is that you don’t have to carry it out of the car. All you have to do is put in the wheels and the seconds and boom – you can roll with it.

Once you know what you’re doing, it’s easy to use. Of course, it also has a break so you don’t get carried away.

The stroller has a push and pull mode, but I honestly don’t know when you’ll ever need to pull your child in a car seat.

Washable padding

Doona has fantastic washable cushions and a water-resistant hood that offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The fact that everything is washable is great as not all car seats are.

However, I have to say that a lot more experienced people mention that despite the extra padding, the car seat offers less side protection. Of course, since I don’t have the resources to do reliable crash tests, I just can’t comment on them, but will link a few here in case anyone wants to see the results.

The included headrest is also washable, which is great for spit, but I feel like it’s getting too tight for older babies and not providing enough protection for newborns.

There is also a removable infant insert for babies up to 11 pounds.

Holden had a decent amount of space at 4.5 months but I don’t see it working after 1 year (edit: it wouldn’t have worked as he was out of limit at 11 months and not at 9.5 months fit comfortably) . My first son was out of Doona’s comfortable space at 10 months, but at 8 months we thought he was uncomfortable.

Cons of Doona

Price

This one’s pretty obvious – at $599 with the base but no accessories, the Doona doesn’t come cheap.

If necessary, add a bag (either $40, $60, or $90 depending on size), sunscreen ($45), rain cover ($40), and duffel bag ($100) and you’re on your way to over $800 for potentially less than a year of use. Absolute madness.

Disclosure not to sound like a hypocrite – admittedly I paid $399 for the Cybex Cloud Q car seat for my second child, but unlike Doona I think it’s worth it in certain circumstances like mine (I have it described in my Cloud Q review). In the case of the Doona stroller, I don’t think it’s worth the price considering all the cons.

The problem with expensive car seats in general is that if you have a big baby, they may not last very long. Doona says the maximum height is 32″ or 31 pounds, which is pretty standard for all child car seats. I’ll honestly say that even though it says maximum, it doesn’t also mean it’s comfortable up to 32″. I think over 27″ it’s pretty tight and squeezes it.

Some parents claim to use Doona up to 15 months, but in the case of my firstborn, we switched him to a convertible car seat at 8 months because he was already 30 inches tall and already looking painfully uncomfortable a month earlier. In a doona baby, the feet will dangle over 28″ without support, so I’m saying you really shouldn’t stretch it to the max.

I know some people whose babies were not only as big as mine but also chubby so they only used Doona for about 6 months. It’s something of a snoo bassinet – some parents swear by its value (it costs $1000 and can only be used for up to 4 months), others think it’s absolute lunacy, but hey – if you can afford it , it’s your money.

Not non-toxic

A majority of child car seats in the United States are filled with toxic chemical flame retardants due to an outdated 1972 federal flammability regulation. Unfortunately, so does Doona.

The fabric used in the Doona is sprayed with a flame retardant. This is not used for the infant height adjustment pillow or headrest.

Chemical flame retardants do not bind well to the products they are used on. This means they are released as airborne particles, dust and direct transmission into our environment. Since children spend a lot of time rubbing their car seats, this is an important factor.

These flame retardants are toxic and linked to various diseases and there is no proven benefit from them.

weight

There’s no denying that Doona is heavy – 16.5 pounds. While it may seem like you’ll never have to carry it because it has wheels, that’s not the case. You may still need to carry it up the stairs or just get it out of the car and lift it back up.

The base is also 10 lbs. You will never wear the base unless you want to check it at the gate when flying with a baby.

Speaking of flying with a baby, if you decide to take your Doona on a plane, you usually have to carry him down the aisle. So if your baby is a standard size and 50th percentile, you’re carrying 16.5 pounds of the car seat, and in the case of a 4-month-old baby, about 16 pounds of a baby on top. It’s a mission.

While technically Doona or cabin-approved strollers will fit down the aisle, I’ve only been able to roll something airline-approved onto my seat once (probably because I was flying alone with a baby while I had a cold and was very distressed looked haha!) .

Millions of other times when I’ve flown I’ve been told to fold everything up before boarding the plane and carry it on because flight attendants insisted it’s not legal to carry a baby in a stroller or car seat to roll down the aisle to ensure the safety of other passengers.

No storage

There is no storage option as it is not a stroller but a car seat. That means you have to carry your diaper bag and other extras yourself instead of just putting them under the stroller.

You can get a mini storage compartment, but it’s tiny – you fit a bottle and a diaper in there and still have to remove it before putting it in the car. It’s a pain in the butt.

Then again, it really isn’t designed as a stroller, so the lack of storage space isn’t surprising, but it might be important to people.

Even if you’re only using it for short trips out of the car to Target, it makes things difficult because you then have to wheel your Doona and the cart, which is pretty inconvenient. I know some people put car seats in the cart (again, not considered safe due to the angle) but you can’t even do it with Doona as he takes up a lot of space in the cart due to the wheels and doesn’t leave you much room to shop .

Wheels

Wheels are small because they have to be small – otherwise the car seat wouldn’t fit. While the wheels are an advantage, remember that when it’s muddy or snowy outside, you’re putting all that dirt in your car, not in a trunk.

The Doona also doesn’t have a cushioning system, so it’s a rough ride over any uneven surfaces.

Your car gets dirty quickly, including the inside of your car door. They do have auto protection, but this causes the base to slip a bit, making some people uncomfortable with it. They also sell wheel covers, but who really has time for that?

Low handlebar

The handlebars are painfully low. Unless you’re 5’5 the handlebars will feel low and uncomfortable because again – it’s a car seat and not a stroller so for safety reasons it can’t be extended.

When you’re taller, it really makes you slouch and feels weird — some parents laugh at how tall husbands make it seem like you’re pushing a stroller, and honestly I have to agree. Pushing a stroller with handlebars that are too low is a pain on rough terrain.

Seat facing parents only and no backrest

Because this is a child car seat, the seat can only face the parents when rolling around in stroller mode. The seat orientation is not ideal for small babies. Once older, curious babies can get frustrated that they can’t see what’s going on when they go for a walk (I know mine was at 6 months) so it’s frustrating.

Doona is also angled at car seat height (45 degrees) so the child cannot sit up straight. It’s sure to frustrate most curious babies and toddlers. Unless your child is a unicorn and is good at sitting and staring at the sky, then it’s not the most fun experience.

I’m 5’7 and it felt awkward. My husband is 6’1 and said it was very uncomfortable.

No option for a double

If you plan on having more kids, you might think Doona might be worth it because you’ll be reusing it. Sure, but Doona is a single option – no boards, no extra seats.

If your kids are less than 2.5 years apart, your toddler may not walk to walk (or walk but not where you want him to), so things get tricky.

Other things to note about Doona

A few things that might not be pros or cons but might be important to think about and decide if it’s a con or just something you might be willing to monitor.

Installation without base

Especially if you live in NYC or other cities where you don’t need a car, you should consider Doona for an easy and safe way to get around by taxi. Yes and no.

Doona is a snap to install in a car with a base, but of course you’re not going to be lugging a 15-pound base around town with you, so you’ll need to install it “European style” with a seat belt. This is not just one click and it takes a few minutes.

I laughed at Doona’s NYC marketing video about “how easy it is to put him in a cab” — sure it’s easy if you just put the car seat in the car without buckling it, as the video ends before the lady actually installs it in the car #MarketingTricks.

Is Doona a good travel car seat then?

I think again it depends on your preferences and where you will be traveling to.

If you’re traveling through the US or Mexico, this could be the case. It’s easy to taxi through the airport, if you buy a seat for your toddler, is it FAA approved to take them on board, and so on.

However if you are traveling to Canada or Europe this is unfortunately not a good option as it is simply not approved for use there so in the event of an accident you will be fined and the insurance will be void.

It’s also important to note that airlines outside the US do not always allow car seats on planes (and often they must be pre-booked) and in most cases only forward-facing car seats as permitted after takeoff and landing due to infants rear-facing car seats limit the tilt of the person in front of you.

Honestly, I’ve taken thousands of flights around the world and never seen a single person use a car seat on an airplane outside of the US. It’s just not common.

I’ll be honest with you too – if you live in a US city and don’t own a car, unfortunately it becomes difficult with young children. If you have to walk around with a baby all day and want to take Ubers/Lyfts, you need a car seat, but leaving babies in car seats all day is also bad. Basically, you’re screwed either way if you want to keep your bub as safe as possible.

For older toddlers and children there are foldable booster seats or foldable car seats like WayB Pico that are easy to transport, but they don’t exist for toddlers. The closest thing to it is the Cosco Scenera Next (if you can get one, get the convertible version because honestly it’s more of a bucket seat without it, with no headrest), but it’s still no small portable seat.

In most places in the US it is a legal requirement to have a child in a car seat when in a car or taxi (NYC does not require this, but you obviously want to protect your child). In cities where public transport is available, you can simply use a cradle and take public transport.

I never took a car seat on my solo European escapades and was able to get around easily on the subway, tram and public buses and never had to use cars with the baby – just like everyone else around me. However, it can be tricky in the US as there is often no other way to get anywhere other than a taxi.

problems in winter

That’s something I’ve never considered with my kids since my first was born in the spring and my second in the winter, but it’s the Mexican winter so I’ve never had to deal with newborns surrounded by snow or cold.

As a parent, you want to make your children comfortable, especially when they are little for the first few months. When expecting a winter baby, it’s only natural to think of a snowsuit or outdoor sleeping bag to keep your baby warm and snuggly.

Unfortunately, neither works with a car seat. Winter clothing increases the space between car seat belts, so it’s a good idea to undress the baby before strapping him or her into a car seat.

It’s not a problem if you’re just getting in and out of the car — you can cover your small breasts with a blanket, but if you’re thinking of getting around NYC with it, you’ll either need to cover a child with a blanket with no winter clothes ( that’s a lot of fun when you have a foosball baby :P) or unbuckled and undress him before hopping in a cab. Not an ideal solution.

problems in summer

Car seats get hotter than strollers.

My first born spent his first year in Europe so temperatures were moderate but I still felt like my son was always sweaty in the car seat.

However, now that we live in Utah from May to September, temperatures range from 90 to 105 degrees. Even in a car with air conditioning, the baby melts in a baby seat. I absolutely cannot imagine keeping a baby in the car seat when they are over 80 outside.

PS Throwing a cover on the car seat actually increases the temperature inside.

Verdict:

While Doona can be a good car seat solution for some people, it shouldn’t be your only travel system for baby’s first year.

If you can afford a Doona, a standard stroller, and after a year, the next car seat, it might be worth buying if you think you’ll get enough use out of it.

If you are looking for the safest car seat on the market, Doona is not the right choice because although it passes, it performs poorly in crash tests.

If you normally have your baby in your own car I would go with a more typical travel system or ditch an infant car seat altogether and buy a convertible car seat that will last you for years.

However, if you’re looking for a stroller for NYC, have a smaller car (like an electric vehicle or a compact car), it’s your second child, or plan to have another child fairly soon, then I think you’d be better off spending the money on something else .

At around £400 for the car seat and ISOFIX base it’s at the higher end of the Group 0+ car seat market, comparable to the Stokke iZi Sleep (£434 with ISOFIX base) and the Cybex Aton Q (£295 with ISOFIX base). ). .

It’s the first such hybrid car seat and travel system on the market, and with safety features like a double-walled structure and an anti-rebound handle, it’s been praised by celebrity parents like Sam Bailey and X Factor’s JB Gill.

Launched in early 2014, the Doona car seat has been dubbed the “next generation car seat” because it has integrated wheels, meaning it converts into a travel system at the push of a button.

That being said, it’s difficult to place it in a set category as it’s in a class all its own and there’s nothing quite like it on the market.

When you look at the Doona you may be impressed by its innovation but it is worth remembering that this is a car seat and as such it cannot be used for babies for more than 2 hours at a time ( since it doesn’t lie flat). and therefore it will not replace a buggy.

How easy is it to convert it from a car seat to a buggy and back again?

Incredibly easy and fun too, as you can see in our video below:

Just press a red button

Pull a white handle on the back of the car seat and the wheels will spring out and down.

Set the handle height, done.

Converting to a car seat is just as quick: you push/pull the same buttons and kick the wheels up and under again.

How heavy or light is the Doona?

It is quite heavy compared to other infant carriers. With the wheels, the Doona weighs 7kg, which is significantly heavier than other seats I’ve tried (like the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix, which weighs 3.5kg).

However, it’s still possible to wear it with a baby strapped into it, and moreover, the idea is to push rather than carry.

How do you install it in the car?

In car seat mode, the Doona works either with or without the ISOFIX base (sold separately), i.e. H. it fits all car makes and models – ideal for visiting relatives or using in rental cars on vacation.

It is also approved for air travel in both Europe and the United States.

Installation in the car is fairly simple and involves wrapping and fastening a regular seat belt around the car seat.

However, it takes practice; as you need to make sure you pull the seat belt out far enough before you start.

I also quickly found that before you secure the car seat with the main seat belt, you must first place your baby in the Doona and fasten his five-point harness.

If you take your child out of the car but leave the seat in place (instead of using it as a stroller), you will also need to unbuckle the car’s main seat belt before you can access your little one. A small problem, but still a bit faff.

Tell us about buckling up your little one.

The car seat comes with a padded Newborn insert that appears to be inspired by the position of a baby in its mother’s arms.

My baby fit comfortably in it until she was four months old and seemed to enjoy the fact that it tugged her up so she could see the world around her when we were out.

Without the pad, she still looked comfortable thanks to the padded harness covers and was asleep within minutes. As she is not usually a fan of car seats, I was impressed!

However, with all car seats and keeping babies in a sitting position, it is important to remember that babies should not be kept in a car seat for more than 2 hours.

Does it feel safe and secure?

Yes. The Doona feels sturdy and features double walls (to allow the wheels to fold into the body of the car seat) giving it better side impact protection.

The handle also rests against the backrest of the seat it’s attached to, so there’s less jerking in the event of a crash.

What is the realistic lifespan as both a car seat and a travel system?

My baby had outgrown the newborn insert at four months old. Now at almost 5 months she will fit in the seat without an insert but as she is on the large side and the Doona is Group 0+ (only suitable up to 13kg) I would say they will last her until her first year becomes.

Is it fully functional in both modes and makes it worth the value for money?

Yes. As a car seat, it delivers what it promises; and as a buggy, it’s nimble, light and easy to use.

However, it probably won’t last more than a year, so it’s probably best for parents who travel a lot, have smaller homes or limited trunk space (meaning they can’t pack a stroller), or who live in built-up areas .

What’s it like to push in buggy mode?

The Doona rolls well on sidewalks and streets. But I didn’t feel like it was designed for off-road use, as it was quite bumpy on uneven surfaces like cobblestones and hard grass – although this didn’t seem to bother my baby too much.

It copes with curbs up and down without any problems, even if you prefer to carry it over steeper steps.

Although heavier than regular car seats, as a buggy it’s fairly light, making it great for taking on public transport – and being so small and compact, it easily fits in a bus aisle. I

I took it to a busy city center and liked the way it navigated small shops without bumping into things. One shop owner even complimented me and said it was the smallest buggy she had ever seen.

Tell us about the stroller brakes

These work a little differently than the usual push-down kick-up brakes. There is a green lever on the left wheel and a red one on the right. To secure the buggy, press the red one; to release it, press the green one.

Once I got the hang of it I actually preferred it – the brakes were more accessible than some buggies I’ve tried and the wheels felt securely welded in place.

Is it easy to store?

Yes. I loved not having a bulky buggy sitting in my hallway – most of the time the Doona lived in the car; And when it was at home, it only took up the space of a normal car seat (66 cm long x 60 cm high x 40 cm wide).

how is the basket

The design means there are none at all. If you’re not the kind of person who travels light, you can purchase three different types of optional attachable storage bags from Simple Parenting, or you can use your own buggy bag – like I did (see image) -, which is clamped over handles.

What’s in the box?

Doona car seat

vehicle seat protection

Any additional extras?

Doona ISOFIX Base – £99.99

Car Seat Rain Cover – £19.99

Car Seat Wheel Cover – £9.99

MadeForMum’s verdict:

A clever, beautifully designed, simple alternative to a travel system, perfect for quick travel on the go and for those who are short on space.

It’s not the most practical car seat, as you first have to put your baby in the Doona and fasten his five-point harness before securing the car seat with the main seat belt.

And again, it is worth remembering that this is a car seat and as such it cannot be used for babies for more than 2 hours at a time (as it does not lie flat) and therefore will not replace a stroller.

But as an innovative product, I love it! As a car seat, it delivers what it promises; and as a travel system, it’s nimble, lightweight, and easy to use.

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If you liked the Doona, check out these car seats and travel systems:

In this week’s Car Seat Chronicles, Elise discusses Jan’s restraint options and creates a customized development plan for her 10-month-old son, Chase.

Jan is looking for a new car seat for Chase as she feels he is uncomfortable in his Doona car seat and will soon outgrow him at ten months and twenty pounds. Although Jan and her small family rely on taxis/Grab, they occasionally drive in their grandparents’ Toyota Altis – which has neither ISOfix nor Top-Tether anchors. Jan prefers car seats that are easy to install and manage as she often takes taxis/grabs alone with Chase and has to take care of the car seat, stroller and shopping bags on her own. While it’s not necessary, she sees it as an added bonus if the car seat is also suitable for use on planes and school buses.

If you happen to share the same situation as Jan, read on! Alternatively, you can listen to the podcast above. xx

Hello Jan, Thank you for reaching out to us. At Chase’s current growth rate — thirty pounds in ten months — it’s likely he’ll have another six to 12 months left in his Doona if you use it longer. At TaxiBaby we encourage parents to use their child car seats for as long as it is safe because it will never get as comfortable as these baby pods. Also, since you love the Doona so much, it would be great if we could keep him with us.

You may have noticed that Chase begins to struggle against every car seat and becomes restless, nervous and frustrated trying to buckle up. It almost seems like the car seat is uncomfortable or in pain when it isn’t. Chase is likely going through a major developmental phase — a phase where children begin to crawl more, pull themselves up on furniture, and prepare to start playing. Whenever kids go through such physical development milestones, their bodies develop an incredible urge to explore their newfound physical abilities, and thus being locked in their car seats doesn’t complement that urge. Therefore, it may not be that he feels uncomfortable in the doona, but that he doesn’t want to be held.

Once Chase has stepped out of his child car seat, you’ll find that your choices when it comes to a taxi-friendly car seat are severely narrowed down to two mainstays: the Urban Kanga and the Cosco Scenera NEXT.

Now let’s take a closer look at the Urban Kanga. It has wonderful features – it’s lightweight, portable and fits in most standard luggage. The downside, however, is that it’s a front-facing car seat, which is five times less secure than a rear-facing car seat it’s currently in. The Urban Kanga needs to be installed in the taxi/car before Chase buckles while your Doona requires Chase to be buckled before the taxi arrives and you will likely simply lift the Doona and Chase combo into the taxi and buckle the car seat.

The next option you have is the Cosco Scenera NEXT, which works in a similar way to your current Doona – buckle up child in advance, lift child into car seat with seat, install car seat. I have three children and my eldest (four and a half years old) has used both the Cosco and Urban Kanga. I find it easier to use the Cosco when I’m alone because I can do half the work before the car arrives. Also, the Cosco Scenera NEXT allows you to put Chase to the rear, making it a safer option of the two.

The Cosco Scenera NEXT weighs about the same as the Urban Kanga and both are legal in Singapore. However, the two car seats have different lifestyle characteristics (as shown in the comparison table above). Check out these two seats online and please get back to me if you have any questions and we will go through them to refine your search for a good solution for Chase. Goodbye! x Elise

Jan then sent the picture of their little boy in his Doona car seat. Watch Chase help mommy with her shopping, how cute! Jan has also advised Elise on the different models of the Doona and asked if she should buy a Maxi-Cosi car seat instead as she is currently looking for a stroller that offers both a lie down and an upright position.

Hi Jan, There are both US and EU versions of the Doona but they don’t differ much. Chase can continue to use the Doona until his head is higher than the top of the car seat pan. I noticed that his shoulders are quite broad and therefore the car seat can be uncomfortable for him as the car seat is tapered at the top. However, it does not become unsafe until he exceeds the 13kg weight limit or when his head is higher than the top of the car seat. Chase looks like he has long legs, but there are no safety concerns in the infant pod. I’m guessing he’ll stay in that particular car seat for at least six months or more.

The answer to your question about the Maxi-Cosi is that you will have less time with it. Perhaps you can buy a next-level car seat (either the Cosco or the Urban Kanga) and use that sparingly, then use your Doona whenever you can. I think the Mountain Buggy Nano is a great stroller – it lays flat now! – and it fits both the Cosco and the Urban Kanga. Let us know what you have chosen, safe journey! x Elise

Jan decided to keep Chase in his Doona and bought a Nuna Mixx as a stroller. She’s eyed the Cosco for when her child outgrows their car seat, hoping it can be easily hacked onto their stroller. If you know of a Nuna Mixx + Cosco hack, send us some photos – we’ll let Jan know about it and add it to our Strollerhacks database!

If, like Jan, you need some parental control advice from us, just click here. For more information you can contact us at [email protected] or @taxibabyco on Facebook and Instagram. Safe travels!

Simplicity is in our DNA. In order to simplify the life of parents and babies, we develop smart and simple products. To get the most out of our products, please follow these quick tips.

Correct belt tension

Pull the shoulder straps up to tighten the pelvic area. Pull the ratchet strap located between the baby’s legs

Height adjustment of the shoulder straps

From the first time you use the Doona™ car seat and as your baby grows, you will need to adjust the shoulder straps to your baby’s size as follows:

When properly adjusted, the shoulder straps will pass through the shoulder strap slots at or slightly below shoulder level. Place baby in the Doona™ car seat and locate the correct shoulder harness slots for your baby’s height. Then take your baby out of the Doona car seat. On the back of the Doona™ car seat, detach the shoulder straps from the metal plate. Insert the shoulder straps into the correct slots. Reconnect the straps to the metal plate.

* Make sure the straps are between the metal bar and the seat body. No part should go over the metal bar.

Position of the shoulder pads

For your baby’s comfort, be sure to position the shoulder pads over the shoulder area when buckling the Doona harness. The pads are soft and wide, distributing the pressure of the straps more evenly over your baby’s body.

Removing the Infant Insert

Remove the infant insert once your baby has grown and the harness is too tight. The insert is intended for neonates typically weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs). Use the head restraint for as long as possible to improve side impact protection.

Anti-rebound grip position

One of Doona’s key differentiators when it comes to in-car safety is its handle, which serves as an extremely effective rebound guard. In the car, always turn the handle towards the back of the seat.

belt adjustment

Make sure the shoulder straps are mounted on the metal plate so that all straps are between the metal bar and the seat body. No part should go over the metal bar.

Doona™ headrest

Doona™ achieved excellent results in side impact tests. Due to its unique design, Doona’s wheels and double wall structure absorb a significant portion of the energy transmitted in a side impact.

The Doona™ headrest was developed to further enhance this protection and to provide support and comfort for the baby.

In addition, its outer surface is made of bamboo carbon fiber textile, which is antibacterial, hypoallergenic and moisture and heat regulating, and has a non-slip backing. Keep the headrest on as long as possible to protect your baby.

Doona™ infant insert

The Doona Infant Insert was specially developed for newborns and offers young babies the highest level of safety and comfort.

Developed with global engineers, safety and medical experts, the insert supports your baby’s posture by mimicking a natural position, giving parents and baby the freedom to travel together.

Features of the Doona™ Infant Insert:

Nearly flat ergonomic position.

Additional padding for newborns.

Textile made from bamboo carbon fiber that is antibacterial, hypoallergenic and regulates moisture and heat.

Doona from base distance

To remove Doona from his base:

If you are looking for our wide range of quilts / doonas, you can find it here:

Buying bedding can sometimes be difficult. With so many sizes and names and choices, it’s quite difficult to determine if what you’re buying is really what you want. Then when you get home and spread out your new bedding and realize it’s not really what you thought it was, it’s just so uncomfortable.

Understanding the terms used in the bedding industry will greatly assist you in purchasing the perfect item for your needs and will enable you to purchase the best product for your needs.

While people can and do say a lot about what you should buy, we think it’s best to give you all the information so you can make an informed decision for yourself and ensure you’re getting the best bedding for you. Our friendly support team is always here to help, but let’s take a look at some of the differences between quilts and doonas.

What is the difference between quilts, doonas and comforters?

Put simply, these are different words for the same product. Quilts, doonas, and comforters are all inserts that are tucked into a cover, also known as a duvet cover, doona sheet, or duvet cover. Saying that, there are slight differences in the context behind each of these words, so let’s take a look.

What is a quilt?

Quilt is arguably the most popular name for this interlining, but in other cultures around the world, quilt refers to bedspreads/bedspreads, and the interlining is known as a bedspread.

What is a Doona?

Doona is an Australian term for a quilted pad that sits within a Doona cover and is the top layer of your bedding. Typically filled with feathers or other manufactured materials, it is also trademarked property of the Tontine Group, who are responsible for many of the quilts enjoyed by Australians.

What is a duvet?

A comforter is defined as another term for a quilted pad, similar to a doona or quilt. The term duvet is mainly used in Europe and the United States and can be referred to as a bed cover.

In Australia these are all words that mean the same thing but be careful when traveling overseas as if you ask for a blanket you might get something very different than what you expected!

So when you’re shopping for a quilt for your duvet, remember that they all mean the same thing in Australia, but there are a few other things to look out for when trying to find the perfect quilt/doona for you.

What types of Doona are there?

There are many different varieties of quilts/doonas, but there are three real things you need to consider when shopping for the perfect quilt/doona for your bed.

To fill

weight

size

Let’s dive into and examine each of these considerations.

What fillings are there for doonas and what is the best filling?

There are a number of different quilt/doona fillings out there, and each has a different effect on you and your bed when you go to sleep.

Cotton

Cotton is arguably the coolest fill out there as it is very light and allows air to pass through rather than get trapped, which in turn keeps you cooler than other materials. Cotton is a great choice for summer or for people who have a warmer body temperature and don’t need extra help to stay warm.

feather and down

Feather and down is one of the most popular choices among Australians and you’ve probably had a feather and down doona at some stage in your life. Feather and down comforters can be sorted anywhere from summer to winter. One thing to watch out for is the percentage of feathers. The higher the proportion of feathers, the cooler it gets, the higher the proportion of down, the warmer it gets.

microfiber

Microfiber is often one of the most budget-conscious options and can be on the warmer side of things. Filled with pure microfiber, these quilts are breathable but not quite as strong as cotton, resulting in a little more heat being trapped, keeping you toasty.

polyester

Polyester is also one of the more budget-friendly options and tends to be a good all-season fill for your quilt. The famous Tontine brand and their simply living Doona range are filled with polyester.

Wool

Wool is typically the warmest and coziest quilt you can buy. These heavy and cozy quilts are perfect for those cold winter nights when you just need all the layers!

While the fill material has an impact on the overall feel of the doona, the weight (amount of fill inside the doona) is just as important, if not more so. Let’s take a closer look at the different quilt weights and what they mean to you.

How do I choose the right weight for me?

Choosing the right weight doesn’t have to be complicated, and once you know what to look for, it’s that easy to choose the right Doona for you. To find out the weight of the quilt you want to buy, it usually has a GSM number. GSM stands for grams per square meter and is the primary way customers can tell how heavy a particular quilt is.

The more GSM your chosen duvet has, the more air will be trapped as it is heavier and takes longer for the heat to escape. Likewise, the lower GSM your duvet is, the cooler it will be as there is less filling for the hot air to escape through.

Considering that a Doona’s weight only really matters when the seasons change. You want a warmer doona in the winter and a cooler doona in the summer. Here’s what we recommend for these times of the year.

summer blanket

150 – 350 GSM

Light quilts

winter blanket

450+ GSM

Heavy quilts

Quilt for all seasons

200 – 400 GSM

Light to medium weight quilts

You can also find double weight quilts, which have removable parts that can either increase or decrease the weight of the quilt, making it the ultimate year-round Doona choice.

What are the Doona sizes for my bed size?

The third and final thing to consider when buying a quilt is the size. It’s important to make sure you have the right doona for your mattress and duvet cover. Having one that is too small is quite inconvenient as you will always be struggling with either your partner or yourself to get enough warmth, and having one that is too large can be quite awkward and potentially a tripping hazard as it rests on the floor will lie like your bed.

There are a few things to keep in mind before reading on. In order to get the perfect look and have an amazing looking bedroom, we recommend enlarging your quilt. This allows the Doona to spill over the side of your bed a bit, but not to the point where you can start tripping over it.

Many people also enlarge their doona so they don’t have to fight as much with their partner about who gets the better half each night. Simple solutions are the best!

Below is a handy Australian mattress size quilt size chart to refer to when choosing the right Doona for your needs:

And there we have it. If you need help choosing the best quilt/doona for you or would like more information about our full range of quilts and doonas, a team of experts are at your disposal! You can reach us by email or give us a call! You can get our contact details.

You can take the Doona car seat/stroller on an airplane because it’s FAA approved in the United States!

Although you may prefer to check the car seat with other luggage (Doona makes a padded holdall to keep your car seat secure during transit) and take your baby on the plane in a baby carrier, bringing an FAA-approved Car seats help protect your baby in flight in the event of unexpected turbulence, air locks or emergency landings. If you are taking the Doona on the plane for your baby, you must purchase a Doona seat in addition to your own seat. Read more from Doona about using the car seat for air travel and its aircraft certification in the US and EU.

Because the Doona can be safely installed without the base when traveling (using the vehicle’s seat belt), there is no need to travel with the LATCH base, just the car seat/stroller itself. Your ideal travel companion for your baby’s first year, the Doona is ready to go wherever your journey takes you.

Shop the Doona Collection below!

Canopy & Shoulder Pads $40.00

racing green

ADD TO CART

Description Features Specifications

Replacing the canopy and shoulder pads is the perfect way to get a fresh new look with a different colourway or when using the Doona car seat & stroller with a second child. You can choose one or more from our 7 different colors and easily swap out the hood cover and shoulder pads whenever you want to give your Doona a new look. The hood protects against the elements, is water-repellent and has a UPF of 50+.

Simplicity is in our DNA. In order to simplify the life of parents and babies, we develop smart and simple products. To get the most out of our products, please follow these quick tips.

Correct belt tension

Pull the shoulder straps up to tighten the pelvic area. Pull the ratchet strap located between the baby’s legs

Height adjustment of the shoulder straps

From the first time you use the Doona™ car seat and as your baby grows, you will need to adjust the shoulder straps to your baby’s size as follows:

When properly adjusted, the shoulder straps will pass through the shoulder strap slots at or slightly below shoulder level. Place baby in the Doona™ car seat and locate the correct shoulder harness slots for your baby’s height. Then take your baby out of the Doona car seat. On the back of the Doona™ car seat, detach the shoulder straps from the metal plate. Insert the shoulder straps into the correct slots. Reconnect the straps to the metal plate.

* Make sure the straps are between the metal bar and the seat body. No part should go over the metal bar.

Position of the shoulder pads

For your baby’s comfort, be sure to position the shoulder pads over the shoulder area when buckling the Doona harness. The pads are soft and wide, distributing the pressure of the straps more evenly over your baby’s body.

Removing the Infant Insert

Remove the infant insert once your baby has grown and the harness is too tight. The insert is intended for neonates typically weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs). Use the head restraint for as long as possible to improve side impact protection.

Anti-rebound grip position

One of Doona’s key differentiators when it comes to in-car safety is its handle, which serves as an extremely effective rebound guard. In the car, always turn the handle towards the back of the seat.

belt adjustment

Make sure the shoulder straps are mounted on the metal plate so that all straps are between the metal bar and the seat body. No part should go over the metal bar.

Doona™ headrest

Doona™ achieved excellent results in side impact tests. Due to its unique design, Doona’s wheels and double wall structure absorb a significant portion of the energy transmitted in a side impact.

The Doona™ headrest was developed to further enhance this protection and to provide support and comfort for the baby.

In addition, its outer surface is made of bamboo carbon fiber textile, which is antibacterial, hypoallergenic and moisture and heat regulating, and has a non-slip backing. Keep the headrest on as long as possible to protect your baby.

Doona™ infant insert

The Doona Infant Insert was specially developed for newborns and offers young babies the highest level of safety and comfort.

Developed with global engineers, safety and medical experts, the insert supports your baby’s posture by mimicking a natural position, giving parents and baby the freedom to travel together.

Features of the Doona™ Infant Insert:

Nearly flat ergonomic position.

Additional padding for newborns.

Textile made from bamboo carbon fiber that is antibacterial, hypoallergenic and regulates moisture and heat.

Doona from base distance

To remove Doona from his base: